Visualization of Data Journalism of China’s Mainstream Media in Public Health Emergences: Taking the Data News Section of Xinhua Net as An Example

Abstract In the context of Chinese media, the practice of data news visualization during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique characteristics. In order to explore the visualization mode of China’s data news reports during the epidemic, this article uses the method of content analysis to analyze the data news reports related to the epidemic released by the data news section of Xinhua Net from January 22, 2020 to October 26, 2020. The article discussed the innovations in the application form and narrative characteristics of China’s mainstream media visualization practice from three aspects, and proposed improvements to the deficiencies. The research found that the data news related to the epidemic focus on data analysis in terms of production methods, and use simple and easy-to-understand diagrams for visual design, and use both traditional and advanced infographics; but it also reflects a lack of the richness of data source, mainly including static information charts and insufficient interactivity.